IB Diploma Programme

Mission Statement:

The IB Progamme at Temple High School is committed to developing balanced life-long learners who are prepared to think critically, reflectively, creatively and communicate their ideas through a variety of media and products. Above all, the IB Programme seeks to develop individuals who will participate ethically and actively in a global society.

Temple IB Diploma Programme

Temple High School became an IB authorized school in 1992 and is currently one of 48 IB authorized high schools in Texas. Created in 1968, the International Baccalaureate Organization's Diploma Program is a demanding pre-university course of study that leads to examinations and is recognized by elite universities around the world. The IB Diploma Program is designed for highly motivated secondary school students and is currently found in over 1788 schools in more than 131 nations worldwide. The program is based on the pattern of no single country, but incorporates the best of several. Over the last several years, the IB Diploma Program has become the program of choice for high schools in the United States seeking to offer a world class college preparatory curriculum.

What is the difference between AP and IB?

The distinguishing factor is that both “Internal Assessments” and “External Assessments” determine the student’s final grade/college credit in a course. AP grades are determined by one exam. For example, students take IB exams in May of their junior and/or senior year. This is External Assessment, which comprises approximately 70% of the student’s IB grade. The other 30% (may be more or less) is determined by Internal Assessment (teacher evaluation, moderated by IB) that the student completes before the exam may be taken. Some examples include:

Language A: English—essays and an oral commentary

Language B: Language Acquisition—one oral commentary

Individuals & Society: History of the Americas—investigative research paper

Experimental Sciences: Chem, Bio, Physics. - labs, research investigations, Group 4 Project

Mathematics: Studies or Standards—portfolios or project

The Arts:

Visual Art & Design—studio work and investigative notebook

Music--Creating, performing, group/solo work and musical investigation

IB is a program of study, not a single (or several “singles”) course/class, as is AP.

The Unique Nature of IB

There are many college preparatory programs available, and most do a good job of preparing students for university, so many ask “What makes IB different from other college prep programs?” It starts with the philosophy, that knowledge is not static, that bodies of knowledge are constantly shifting, and that a person should engage with that knowledge rather than passively absorb it. IB is not simply about acquiring a body of information; it is about how to think. The knowledge acquired comes from a more cosmopolitan, global perspective rather than a more localized one. The IB diploma is also a program that by its very nature creates a unique fraternity of students.Two umbrella documents encapsulate the philosophy and benefits of IB. The first is the IB Learner Profile, a list of qualities for which all IB students should strive. The second is the more tangible 10 reasons why the IB diploma is ideal preparation for university. Please take a moment to read the documents below.

Do IB students have a life?

Take a look through the photo gallery to see the extracurricular activities our students participate in!

Kaleigh Verett

International Baccalaureate Coordinator